Glastonbury Festival founder Michael Eavis CBE has been honoured with the Freedom of Glastonbury.

Glastonbury Town Council voted unanimously in favour of the honour back in March, following a nomination from town mayor Councillor Jon Cousins and deputy mayor, Councillor Serena Roney-Dougal to mark his "services to the town and the local economy".

He received the honour during a ceremony in Glastonbury Town Hall on May 3.

Mayor of Glastonbury, Cllr Jon Cousins, said: "It is my great pleasure to have proposed Michael Eavis as a Freeman of Glastonbury. 

"I am delighted that the Glastonbury Councillors agreed with me, and we conferred the long overdue 'Freedom of the Town' upon him to acknowledge that, as founder of the world famous Glastonbury Festival, he has helped to promote Glastonbury for over 50 years – both nationally and internationally.  

"His festival makes a significant contribution to our local economy, as well as providing year-round employment locally and support for many local organisations, community groups, and charitable causes, and I can think of no one more worthy of receiving this honour."

Speaking to ITV news before the ceremony Mr Eavis said: "I have had a lot to do with this town all my life. I started the Extravaganza 25 years ago. It's very successful – most year sit sells out – that's 10,000 people. That's good for the town. It puts the town on the map I suppose.

"It's a great place, and a great town and I'm very pleased with the award."

Founder of Glastonbury Festival, Michael Eavis, receives the Freedom of Glastonbury from Mayor of Glastonbury Jon Cousins, with Glastonbury town crier David Greenway. Photo: Glastonbury Town Council